Removing a Savage Barrel

[qec]

Order my new Savage 12 barrel today (large shank in case it matters). Next question...

Trying to decide on the best tool combo for the job. I like the action wrench idea instead of a barrel vice since this seems like it is les likely to damage a receiver or barrel finish. I own several rifles that will likely need barrel replacement within the next several years. Those rifles all have different barrel contours so I'm hoping I can purchase something I can use for all. So my question is action wrench (will work for both Savage and Bergara) or barrel wrench? Either way which brand and model do you recommend?

 

[rockhound78]

I use an action wrench that a machinist made for me decades ago

 

[wedgy]

NSS is your go to for all things Savage. You may want to get a new lug and nut while you're there. The newer smooth style nuts are hard to get off as they use a thread lock but put a torch on it and it will soften up. It will foam up a bit and ooze out then the nut will come off.

NSS ACTION WRENCH | Northland Shooters Supply

Northland Shooters Supply (NSS) designed an action wrench called the NSS Action Wrench which corrects the interference issues created when Savage went to the 4.4″ short-action action-screw spacing.

northlandshooterssupply.com

NSS Tools | Northland Shooters Supply

northlandshooterssupply.com

 

[Ajwilly96]

someone with more knowledge will hopefully chime in, but I am pretty sure you will need a barrel nut wrench and an action wrench of some kind to properly install and remove savage barrels

 

[qec]

Thanks for the comments. I know I need the barrel nut wrench. No choices there. I have more options when it comes to the barrel wrench vs action wrench hence the question

 

[DNorton]

All you need is a barrel vise and a savage barrel nut wrench.

 

[DShortt]

I personally use a barrel vice, nut wrench and an action wrench to remove factory Savage barrels. I don't want anything damaged and I know from experience that this combination makes the task quick and painless. Perhaps it's not all necessary. Don't know, don't care. I do know this combination has never failed to work with absolutely -0- damage to anything including surface finishes.

 

[memilanuk]

If the factory barrel is stainless, it should come off without too much fuss. Action wrench, barrel nut wrench, and I still prefer a barrel vise as a third hand.

If it's blued, or any other finish... you might need to get medieval on it. Despite the factory putting a thread sealant on the barrel shank threads, that crap seeps in there and locks things up almost like red loctite. You *will* need a barrel vise. Don't use the action wrench until the barrel nut is loose. Way cheaper / easier to cut off and replace the nut, than a twisted receiver.

 

[pdog06]

The NSS action wrench and barrel nut wrench is the best option. Especially if the barrel has never been removed before. Even more so if it is a blued barrel and action. It’s the best way to assure you won’t warp the action.
If you have those two you won’t need a barrel vise, unless the barrel nut won’t unthread off the barrel once you have it off the action.

 

[JSH]

A good vice or a press, two chunks of oak and a barrel nut wrench. Measure the OD of the barrel, clamp both blocks together and drill out under sized.
No resin, powdered sugar works as well.
If you have a scrawny vise don’t waste your time.
Put the nut wrench on, whack it with a dead blow mallet.
Buddy and I have done a dozen or so at least. It isn’t rocket science.
The action wrench is good for setting headspace, I really doubt you could get a new action off of a barrel with one.
Round smooth nut, apply a little heat. A company called Ridgid makes a wrench to take them off. Throw that smooth nut out the back door as far as you can.

 

[jpx2rk]

Google how to remove a savage barrel over on YT, you'll get some ideas on how you want to proceed with the project. Several good ones I've watched a few/numerous times before I did it for the first time. I don't use an action wrench, just a barrel vise and nut wrench with a rubber mallet to smack the wrench. A scrap brown paper bag works well (drywall tape too) for wrapping the barrel to prevent any marring on the barrel finish when it's clamped in the vise.

 

[PhilC]

The NSS action wrench and barrel nut wrench is the best option. Especially if the barrel has never been removed before. Even more so if it is a blued barrel and action. It’s the best way to assure you won’t warp the action.
If you have those two you won’t need a barrel vise, unless the barrel nut won’t unthread off the barrel once you have it off the action.

Ditto. James at NSS is a good guy too!

 

[Eagle Six]

I use a barrel vise, action wrench, and nut wrench.

Action wrench, barrel nut wrench, and I still prefer a barrel vise as a third hand.

 

[centershot]

Google how to remove a savage barrel over on YT, you'll get some ideas on how you want to proceed with the project. Several good ones I've watched a few/numerous times before I did it for the first time. I don't use an action wrench, just a barrel vise and nut wrench with a rubber mallet to smack the wrench. A scrap brown paper bag works well (drywall tape too) for wrapping the barrel to prevent any marring on the barrel finish when it's clamped in the vise.

I wrap the barrel with a piece of heavy paper target. About the same as drywall tape.

 

[M60A3TTS]

I just removed a barrel on my Savage, nothing could move the nut, not even heat . Eventually the nut rounded off, requiring splitting it, after which everything spun off by hand. Just a FYI.

 

[jpx2rk]

I just removed a barrel on my Savage, nothing could move the nut, not even heat . Eventually the nut rounded off, requiring splitting it, after which everything spun off by hand. Just a FYI.

I had to cut the nut off on my last one, there was some brown "goo" under the nut that may have been causing the resistance. LOL

 

[7887mm08]

The NSS action wrench and barrel nut wrench is the best option. Especially if the barrel has never been removed before. Even more so if it is a blued barrel and action. It’s the best way to assure you won’t warp the action.
If you have those two you won’t need a barrel vise, unless the barrel nut won’t unthread off the barrel once you have it off the action.

Exactly! This has worked 3 times for me.

 

[JSH]

I and others have seen blasting media all back up in the threads on some newer actions. It comes off almost like it is gallded. A bit of spray lube and air doesn’t hurt. Makes me cringe seeing that crap in an action.
Barrel locked down tight, if you think it is tight tighten it some more. With the wrench don’t be gentle. Whack it.
If the barrel spins in the blocks, clean it off and start over, it will just keep slipping no mater how much pressure you put on it.

 

[Newhouse]

I used barrel vise and since I had no plan on reusing the round nut, I used a pipe wrench. I preheated the nut using a hairdryer at it’s highest setting for 5-10 minutes. Nut came off easy using the pipe wrench.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Dead blow hammer/mallet doesn't get it. Steel on steel WILL.
Steel hammer SMACK on the nut wrench WILL brake it loose.
If you pull, all it does in round off the slots.
Don't bother to us an action wrench anymore.
Nut wrench down the barrel, barrel padded in vice, steel hammer on nut wrench, SMACK, done!
First time removing a SAVAGE barrel can be a bit**!!
They are installed at the factory by a GORILLA!! A BIG ONE!!